Having aired for an impressive 10 seasons and 217 episodes, Smallville ended in 2011 with a bang as Clark Kent (Tom Welling) finally became Superman. In many ways, Smallville ushered in a new era of superhero television, proving that comic book heroes could in fact still work on the small screen in our modern age. Over a decade, Clark battled many enemies, including his former best friend Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum). Still, despite Lex’s destiny as Clark’s greatest adversary, there is another who rose and took his rightful place as the Man of Steel’s arch-enemy: General Zod.

General Zod Remained a Villain All Throughout ‘Smallville’

Despite the character’s often messy comic book history, General Zod has been one of Superman’s most consistent rogues since his first appearance in 1961’s Adventure Comics #283. Nearly two decades later, the character was re-imagined by director Richard Donner for Superman: The Movie and its immediate sequel, where he was played by Terence Stamp (who, coincidentally, voiced Jor-El on Smallville). Zod only returned to the big screen several decades later for 2013’s Man of Steel, this time played by Michael Shannon, but before that, he made his mark on Smallville.

What’s great about Lex Luthor, his father Lionel (John Glover), and his half-sister Tess Mercer (Cassidy Freeman) is that they’re all complex characters who teeter between good and evil. For the first half of the series, Lex fights his dark destiny, hoping that Clark can help him overcome his family’s personal darkness. Ultimately, Lex succumbs to his dark side, and thus their eternal rivalry is born. By contrast, Tess and Lionel go from being antagonistic figures (and in Lionel’s case, downright evil) to redeeming themselves as some of Clark’s closest allies before their untimely deaths at Lex’s hand.

There’s no denying that without the Luthors, Smallville wouldn’t have been half as good as it was. They always had the best lines, monologues, and character arcs, and that was by design. On Smallville, just because you’re a Luthor doesn’t mean you’re evil. But where the Luthors (and the Kents, in contrast) are portrayed as normal people navigating an extraordinary world, villains like General Zod possess incredible powers, have a deep hatred for our hero, and elevate Smallville to greater heights. From the first time Zod’s name is uttered in Season 5 to his final appearance in the back half of Season 10, the Kryptonian general is entirely focused on turning Earth into his New Krypton and taking revenge on the famed son of Jor-El.

General Zod’s Villainy Goes Back to the Last Days of Krypton

Image via The CW

The way Smallville explains it, General Zod is actually the reason that Krypton was destroyed in the first place, killing not just Clark’s entire biological family (save his paternal cousin), but his entire race as well. After going to war against the Kryptonian Council, Zod built himself an army of devoted followers, corrupted Jor-El’s version of the Brain InterActive Construct (aka James Marsters‘ Brainiac), genetically engineered “the ultimate destroyer” Doomsday (later played by Sam Witwer), and, allied with Jor-El’s brother Zor-El (Christopher Heyerdahl), ignited the planet’s core and caused its destruction. In many ways, Zod is either directly or indirectly responsible for the biggest tragedies in Clark’s life, including the famed meteor shower he arrived in.

For someone who wants the Kryptonian race to thrive, Zod sure has a funny way of showing it. His ultimate goal was to create a New Krypton in his own image and slaughter his own people to do so, hoping that Earth would be a better template for his design. This meant that Doomsday’s goal to wipe out humanity, Brainiac’s mission to corrupt our technology, and even Zor-El’s plan to use cloning as part of the means toward repopulation were all by Zod’s design. While the Smallville mythos can be a bit confusing at times, everything relating to Krypton and alien invaders always finds its roots in the original General Zod.

Because of his crimes, Zod was stripped of his physical body and was sent to the Phantom Zone by Jor-El and the Council. At the end of Season 5/beginning of Season 6, Zod is unwittingly released by Clark, only to possess Lex’s newly superpowered body. Michael Rosenbaum’s performance as Zod is powerful and commands a type of respect that would make even Lex kneel. Up to this point on the show, everything had been leading to this. Two meteor showers, Zod’s disciples, and Brainiac all pave the way for the General to arrive on Earth. Had Clark not been able to defeat him, he would’ve taken over right then and there. Season 7’s “Apocalypse” emphasizes this when Jor-El shows Clark what the world would look like if he never arrived on Earth. Here, Lex (now the President of the United States) still becomes Zod’s vessel via Brainiac’s influence, though with Clark’s cousin Kara (Laura Vandervoort) as his bride. Thankfully, Clark expelling General Zod from Lex and sending him back to the Phantom Zone stops all that.

Zod’s Personal History With Superman’s Family Is Intense

Image via The CW

Advertisement

While Clark and Lex’s story starts that miraculous day on the bridge, Zod’s rivalry with the House of El extends further into Kryptonian history. Back when Zod was just a Major (Callum Blue), he and Jor-El (Julian Sands) enjoyed a friendship that paralleled the Clark and Lex dynamic. As allies in the war against the terrorist group Black Zero, Jor-El and Zod were part of a cloning program meant to be the salvation of their species if an extinction-level event ever occurred. But the war followed them home.

After Zod’s wife and son are murdered in the destruction of Kandor, the Major asks Jor-El to bring them back through cloning, but the scientist refuses on ethical grounds. This apparent betrayal fractures the relationship between Zod and Jor-El, and sets the former on his dark path that ultimately leads to Krypton’s destruction. So, when a clone of Major Zod arrives in Smallville during the show’s Season 9, he attempts to forge a similar bond with Jor-El’s now-adult son. Hoping to see good in this younger Zod, who had yet to commit the same atrocities that his counterpart did, Clark tries to befriend the clone and lead the Kandorians on a better path. Unsurprisingly, Zod’s militaristic ambition and quest for power lead to a similar falling out between these Kryptonian blood brothers, which comes to a head in the epic Season 9 finale “Salvation.”

But rather than making the younger Zod a one-note villain, Season 9 expands on the character’s personal history and complex morality. At times, it seems like there may be good in Zod after all, even if most of the time his choices are questionable at best and horrific at worst. The Kryptonian clone may not be as menacing or powerful as his original counterpart, but Blue plays a mean Zod that surpasses what Rosenbaum was able to do with his limited screen time as the character. After all, Blue had a whole season to explore Zod’s motives, while Rosenbaum only got two episodes.

Each Version of Zod Impacted ‘Smallville’

Image via The CW

While alternate takes on characters via parallel universes, timelines, and even through the use of drugs, Red Kryptonite, or shapeshifting doppelgängers were commonplace on Smallville, rarely did the series ever introduce two versions of the same distinct person, especially not characters who made a serious impact on the show. Clones on the show usually only got an episode or two, with all their development crammed into a single story. The Zod clone, on the other hand, was granted Smallville main cast status upon his first appearance and made his mark on thirteen episodes of the series in its final two seasons.

Both versions of General Zod be it the phantom from the series’ middle years or the clone from Season 9 have an air of authority to them that they take everywhere. The character’s trademark phrase, “Kneel before Zod,” commands respect, submission, and attention. It’s no wonder then that his actions always enforce those words. To make things even more interesting, after a whole season of wondering what would happen if the clone Zod and the original phantom met, Season 10 merges the two of them together. As a merged entity, General Zod retains the knowledge and memories of two lifetimes, which means that the original’s rivalry with Jor-El and the clone’s with Kal-El are both at the forefront of his mind as he sits trapped in the inescapable Phantom Zone.

The original Zod’s combat and leadership experience paired with the younger version’s physical body, knowledge of Earth, and hatred for Clark makes this Smallville villain one of the show’s best. Unlike Lex, who loses all his memories in the series finale (an odd choice indeed), Zod’s dual memories only fuel the fire of this alien tyrant. If there’s one villain from Smallville you don’t want to mess with, it’s General Zod. His ruthlessness, competence, and single-minded rage are powerful motivators in his quest to rule his own domain. No wonder his “son” Doomsday is a literal “rage monster.”

‘Smallville’ Opens the Door for General Zod To Return to Face Superman in the Future

Though Smallville often introduced Superman villains long before Clark officially took flight, there was always hope that many of those antagonists would return again once our hero was sporting a red cape instead of a jacket. Doomsday being buried beneath Metropolis seemed to imply a potential return in a Death of Superman-like story, while Toyman’s (Chris Gauthier) knowledge of Clark’s secret made him a formidable opponent worth revisiting in the future. Others such as Brainiac, Parasite (Brendan Fletcher), Livewire (Anna Mae Routledge), and Bizarro (Tom Welling) were either reformed, killed off, or disregarded in a way where it would be unlikely if they ever fought a suited-up Superman. Thankfully, General Zod falls into the former.

In Zod’s final appearance in Season 10’s “Dominion,” he and two of his new Phantom Zone lackeys (likely Ursa and Non from Superman II fame) are last seen trapped in the Zone, floating off into space in a manner that echoes the original Christopher Reeve Superman films. While the continuation comic book Smallville Season 11 doesn’t revisit Zod and his companions, given that the merged Kryptonian now has twice the hatred for Kal-El, it’s unlikely that he won’t return down the line seeking revenge. “Dominion” sets up the conflict between Superman and General Zod made famous by the source material and Superman II, a film which Smallville took clear inspiration from throughout its run. It’s clear that while Smallville developed the Luthors as antagonists, General Zod’s hatred for the Man of Steel remains strong, and the show wouldn’t have been the same without his presence.

Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on July 24, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Olivia Culpo revealed she is planning a C-section for her second baby because a VBAC was not an option after delivering daughter Collette via C-section in July of the previous year. The model scheduled the procedure around husband Christian McCaffrey‘s San Francisco 49ers training camp so he can be present for the birth.

• Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Angie Katsanevas teased “evolving” relationships in season 7, telling Us the cast’s bonds are deepening after years together. She named Heather Gay her “ride-or-die” this year and praised the level-headed costar for keeping her accountable.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

• Former NBA player Derek Fisher and Basketball Wives alum Gloria Govan have split after five years of marriage but are not planning to divorce. The couple has been living separately and remains in constant communication as they work through their issues.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

There have been relatively few oceanic adventure epics made in recent years, and even fewer that have tapped into the grounded horror of pre-20th century aquatic travel. Even if the notion of oceanic exploration is frequently associated with high-octane swashbuckling crowdpleasers, the grim reality is that it was a highly dangerous form of transportation that required those with the coldest of hearts to participate. The North Water feels like a piece of old-fashioned epic filmmaking, as its scope and scale are equivalent to a classic from the Golden Age of Hollywood. The cinematic qualities should come as no surprise, given that the series was created and directed by the brilliant British filmmaker Andrew Haigh. Although Haigh’s movies up until this point have primarily fallen in the social drama genre, The North Water applies the same emotional gravity to a historical epic filled with graphic horror.

Based on the acclaimed 2016 novel of the same name, The North Water follows a group of sailors who travel on a whaling expedition into the Arctic Ocean in 1859, shortly before the whale oil trade began to decline. Leading the crew is Captain Arthur Brownlee (Stephen Graham), a veteran of maritime travels who assembles a crew filled with misfits and miscreants; among those who join his team are the surgeon Patrick Sumner (Jack O’Connell), the ex-criminal Henry Drax (Colin Farrell), and the caustic first mate Michael Cavendish (Sam Spruell). Brownlee describes the journey to his men as being a true journey into hell, and his description is apt for the disturbing, frighteningly operatic epic that The North Water becomes.

‘The North Water’ Is an Old-Fashioned Maritime Epic

The North Water is smart in identifying how expeditions like this required men of a very specific personality and lifestyle to take part in them, as nothing about the extended trips from home was for the faint of heart. The series suggests that a trip to the Arctic is an escape of sorts for those who want to erase or reflect upon their past. In some cases, it is a noble pursuit, as Sumner is attempting to move past his guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder after not being able to save the lives of patients that were under his care; on the flipside, Drax is wanted for his crimes and is trying to start a new life where he will no longer be constantly in fear of being identified. While these are compelling characters who are seemingly all that they appear to be, Haigh is brilliant in revealing layers as the series continues and the journey becomes even more perilous. Despite being a man of honor, Sumner does have a darkness that resides inside of him that he has to suppress; alternatively, Drax does occasionally ponder if he can truly be redeemed, even if he feels that his actions have ensured that he will forever be damned.

Haigh’s perceptive writing style ensures that The North Water has a solid grasp on the way that members of a crew would interact with one another. While none of them are necessarily friendly, given that their sole purpose is executing a job, the heightened danger and confined setting mean that these strangers are forced to open up to one another. The North Water doesn’t shy away from the brutality of such voyages, as it explores how younger members of the crew were forced to endure horrific abuse at the hands of the older sailors. At the same time, Sumner becomes an inspirational figure on the vessel because he offers a glimpse of hope. At a time in which medical science was still developing, Sumner’s understanding of human body mechanics made him feel almost glorious to his shipmates.

‘The North Water’ Is a Brutal Survivalist Tale

The North Water is more than just another expedition disaster story because the series implies that the crew’s greatest obstacles are of their own making, with greed and deception ultimately to blame. While the series is breathtaking in exploring the perilous conditions of the Arctic, Haigh also finds the beauty in a side of nature that was perhaps meant to be left unexplored. The show may be telling a very specific story about a moment in history when the ocean was being monopolized by both governments and criminal groups, but its message about nature’s vengeance applies to any moment in time.

The North Water is unquestionably a challenging show, as it presents a toxic perspective on masculinity and shows how desperation can turn to barbarism. That being said, there’s also a message about the triumph of the human spirit that is quite moving; there’s a fascinating debate to be had on whether Haigh intended the series to be optimistic or pessimistic, as both perspectives are legitimate. Even at its darkest, the show never lacks humanity, which is a testament to the excellent performances from Farrell, Graham, and O’Connell in particular. Although multiple seasons of a show with such a downbeat tone and visceral encapsulation of violence might have been too taxing, even for those who enjoy gritty television, five episodes are more than enough to tell a complete and satisfying epic story on an impressive scale.

Ransom Canyon‘s wild second season had everything from a sibling love triangle to infidelity — and now Garrett Wareing is breaking his silence on Lucas’ actions.

Season 2, which is streaming now on Netflix, took a turn when Lauren’s (Lizzy Greene) romance with Lucas (Wareing) came to a shocking end after she kissed his brother, Kit (Casey W. Johnson). Lucas, however, had his own indiscretion with Ashley (Jennifer Ens).

“This is what is going to get the fans talking,” Wareing, 24, exclusively told Us. “Who is to blame? Who is really at fault here?”

Wareing acknowledged that Lauren wronged Lucas before his hookup with Ashley. At the same time, Ashley’s friendship with Lauren made the situation more complicated.

“With Lucas and Lauren, they both did each other wrong,” he argued. “One of my last lines this season is ‘And I have to reckon with that.’ So I think this is Lucas’ journey moving forward, reckoning with these mistakes.”

The actor didn’t rule out Lucas’ love life getting more of a shakeup in season 3. In response to a question about a possible new love interest for Lucas, Wareing said, “Wouldn’t that be something! I think this is going to be another moment where the writers are going to listen to the fans … who do you want to be Lucas with next? I think as Lucas matures, maybe his romance does too.”

Showrunner April Blair also weighed in on Lucas’ controversial decision.

“With Kit and Lauren, it was a kiss and she was like, ‘Stop.’ Meanwhile Lucas is getting down with her best friend in the car. It’s a little hypocritical to hold him too much to task for it. But I think that’s why Lauren comes back and they have this moment,” Blair explained to Us about the exes getting closure in the finale. “She is apologetic and it’s just emotional for her to realize that there are ramifications moving forward.”

Blair pointed out that Lauren saw where she was to blame, adding, “There’s just a fun, messy adventure to me. There are as many people who are obsessed with Kit and Lauren — or with Lauren and Lucas.”

Looking ahead, Blair promised that Lucas will “catch a break or two” after a difficult season. Wareing, however, enjoyed being challenged as an actor.

Related: Meet the Hot Cowboys From Netflix‘s Western Melodrama ‘Ransom Canyon‘

Netflix’s Ransom Canyon understood the assignment when building its cast of hot cowboys. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Deal of the Day The Trendiest […]

Advertisement

“Our sweet boy Lucas kept getting blow after blow! He can’t catch a break this season,” he quipped. “But if we are talking about character arcs, there has to be an ebb and a flow — an up and a down — and to play that downward spiral as an actor was quite exciting for me and something that April, our writers, and I really worked on together. Lucas is, and will continue to be, the underdog.”

Blair, Wareing and even Johnson were all on the same page that Lucas and Lauren were the likely endgame of the show. For now though, the fictional couple had to part ways in order to hopefully find their way back to each other.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

“At the end of the day, she is still the love of his life,” Wareing noted. “When you love something, you have to let it go. So Lucas does because he loves her so much and just wants to see her happy. Whether that is with him, or without.”

He concluded: “If Lucas and Lauren aren’t endgame, I’m never believing in love again. They resemble, to me, the idealistic kind of youthful love and longing. I’d love to see that fantasy for them fully realized.”

Ranson Canyon is currently streaming on Netflix.

Arrow and, in turn, the “Arrowverse,” have no shortage of supervillains living within them. The number of evildoers living in The CW’s take on DC Comics is more than double that of its many heroes, like Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) and The Flash (Grant Gustin). Some of them are recognizable foes from DC’s rogues gallery, such as the master manipulator Reverse-Flash (Tom Cavanagh) and the ape conqueror Gorilla Grodd (David Sobolov), while others are more obscure B- and C-listers, like the maniacal Murmur (Adrian Glynn McMorran) and the diabolical Damien Darhk (Neal McDonough).

All worthy foes, but there is only one villain worthy of the title of Oliver Queen’s arch-nemesis. A ruthless killer who has cemented himself as one of the DC Universe’s most dangerous villains, he is capable of going toe-to-toe with nearly any hero in the Justice League and beyond. While this character hasn’t had his time to shine in live-action feature films outside of Joe Manganiello’s all-too-brief appearance in the Snyderverse, this deadly assassin made an unforgettable impression on television. This elusive figure is none other than Deathstroke the Terminator (Manu Bennett), whose brutal and deeply personal rivalry with Oliver remains one of the strongest villain arcs DC television has ever produced.

Who Is Deathstroke in DC Comics?

Before becoming the DC Universe’s most infamous assassin, Deathstroke was known as Slade Wilson. Slade was a military veteran who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. It was during that time that he met Captain Adeline Kane, who became Slade’s military mentor and eventual romantic partner. Slade’s impeccable training and remarkable service record eventually caught the attention of a covert experimental program designed to create super soldiers for the government. The procedure granted Wilson superhuman strength and an advanced healing factor, effectively making Slade Wilson the DC equivalent to Marvel’s Captain America. However, what Wilson lacks from Captain America is a sense of patriotic duty, as he left the military behind to pursue a career as the killer-for-hire, Deathstroke.

Slade’s assassin career is something he kept a secret from his now-wife Adeline, as well as their young son Joseph. That changes when a rival mercenary abducts Joseph, and while Slade can rescue him, Joseph permanently loses his voice when his throat is injured. Enraged by her husband’s secrets, Adeline shoots Slade in the head, leading the mercenary to lose an eye. Now ostracized from his family, Slade has no other attachments to prevent him from becoming a cold and heartless DC villain.

Unlike most villains in the world of DC, such as Joker and Lex Luthor, Deathstroke doesn’t really have an arch-nemesis in the comics. Granted, he is best known for facing the Teen Titans, and the young team of heroes does consistently manage to surprise a seasoned veteran fighter like Deathstroke, they are still a bit below Slade’s pay grade. Since his debut in 1980, Deathstroke has gone up against some of DC’s most recognizable icons, even holding his own against the technological wit of Batman and even the unmatched strength of Superman.

Slade Wilson and Oliver Queen Started as Friends in ‘Arrow’

Image via the CW

As fans of Arrow know, the story of Oliver Queen begins when the once-spoiled rich kid becomes marooned on a deserted island. At least, he thinks it’s deserted as he soon meets an exiled Chinese general named Yao Fei Gulong (Byron Mann), as well as his daughter Shado (Celina Jade). They quickly become mentors to Oliver as he begins his journey to becoming a master archer, but not before Oliver encounters a group of mercenaries also stationed on the island. Oliver is captured by these mercs and is tortured by an individual with Deathstroke’s signature black and orange mask. However, this individual is not Slade Wilson, but is Wilson’s former partner, Billy Wintergreen (Jeffrey Robinson), who is typically an ally of Wilson in the comics.

After escaping the mercs, Oliver has a run-in with Slade Wilson. While it takes some time for them to trust each other, Slade eventually reveals that he and Billy were Australian Special Forces sent to the island to find Yao Fei. They were intercepted by the mercenaries, and Billy betrayed his long-time partner to join the thugs. With the help of Slade, Yao Fei, and Shado, they’re able to put these would-be assassins down for good, even though Yao Fei perishes in the conflict.

After defeating the mercs, Oliver and Slade become much more than fellow survivors. They become legitimate close friends as they try to find a way off of this desolate island. However, the seeds of dissent are sown quickly, as a love triangle grows between Oliver and Slade over Shado. When the trio of companions encounters a new threat in the form of mad scientist Anthony Ivo (Dylan Neal), Oliver is forced to choose between Shado and his recently rediscovered friend Sara Lance (Caity Lotz) when Ivo holds them at gunpoint. Oliver chooses Sara, and Shado is killed as a result.

Slade succeeds in getting revenge on Ivo for killing his beloved Shado, but not before learning Oliver chose to let her die. Blinded by rage and anger, Slade and Oliver engage in a bloody conflict, ending with Oliver plunging an arrow in Slade’s eye. Leaving him for dead, Oliver eventually escapes the island, not realizing he probably should have finished the job. That’s because this more personally driven Slade survived this encounter and begins plotting his revenge.

Why Slade Wilson Is the Best Villain in ‘Arrow’

Image via the CW

Years after their fateful battle, Slade has been training and preparing for the day he can face Oliver again. Though this interpretation of Deathstroke is more sympathetic than many of his other adaptations, Arrow‘s version of him perfectly combines Slade Wilson’s unmatched physical prowess and genius-level criminal intellect. Since facing Oliver on the island, Slade has amassed a vast network of spies and operatives, essentially raising an entire private army to hunt down the Green Arrow.

Armed with state-of-the-art weapons and a durable suit of armor, Deathstroke defeats Green Arrow in several of their physical encounters. Before Oliver can even figure out how to defeat his fallen comrade, Slade deals a critical blow when he abducts Oliver, his sister Thea (Willa Holland), and his mother Moira (Susanna Thompson). Just like Oliver had to choose between Sara and Shado on the island, he now must choose between his mother and sister. The shocking twist results in Moira dying at Slade’s hands, leaving a permanent mark on the already damaged Oliver.

What makes this Deathstroke, so great is how he feels true to the character while also feeling like a unique interpretation. He has the iconic design, the unmatched fighting skills, and the devious intellect, but he also has a surprising backstory and an engaging personality. At times, the most tragic part of Deathstroke’s tale isn’t that he is an assassin who kills without remorse; it’s how he was a once-noble soldier who fell to the dark side.

The detective show is a TV staple. Each episode shows the main character – whether they be a detective, a private investigator, or a police consultant – using their unique skills to solve a crime. Intense detective dramas see their main crime-solving teams investigating murders and other major crimes, while lighter detective shows lean into the comedy of what it means to try to solve complex cases each week.

There are so many excellent detective shows out there, but it’s especially impressive when detective shows make every episode count. The best detective shows have compelling weekly mysteries, while also taking the time to explore their characters and their respective arcs over the course of the series. These are detective shows where every single episode is a masterpiece.

‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)

Image via HBO

Mare of Easttown is a limited series that follows a small-town detective sergeant named Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet). Mare has been struggling with debilitating grief since the death of her son, but she’s been trying her best to continue to do her job to the best of her ability. This is especially difficult in the wake of a string of disappearances of young women and girls, which Mare has been unable to solve for a long time.

When a local teenage girl named Erin McMenamin (Cailee Spaeny) is brutally murdered, Mare is at the forefront of the investigation with the help of her new partner, Detective Colin Zabel (Evan Peters). Soon, Mare realizes that there are people in her town with horrifying secrets who will do pretty much anything to keep them covered. Mare of Easttown is riveting from start to finish, and each episode leaves a lasting emotional impact.

‘Wild Cards’ (2024–Present)

Image via CBC Television

Wild Cards is a funny and entertaining procedural that follows the unlikely partnership between a disgraced detective and the con artist who’s been assigned to be his consultant and partner. Cole Ellis (Giacomo Gianniotti) has been stuck working as a water cop since an investigation ended in him being framed for a crime that he did not commit. When his department arrests con artist Max Mitchell (Vanessa Morgan), Max shares her thoughts with Ellis on an unrelated crime.

Quickly, it becomes apparent that Ellis and Max work very well together, and they’re assigned to work as partners on a trial basis. Ellis is very rigid and by-the-book, while Max is carefree and willing to bend the rules to solve crimes. Through working together, they develop a lovely and unlikely partnership and friendship, and she even helps him look into a seemingly impossible-to-solve cold case: the murder of his brother. Wild Cards has the perfect balance of comedy and suspense, and each of its weekly cases is entertaining in its own way.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Image via NBC

Hannibal is an intense and captivating thriller series that follows Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), a brilliant criminal profiler who consults for the FBI. Will’s unique skill is his ability to put himself in the shoes of the most horrific killers, and in doing so, he’s able to solve cases that even the most seasoned investigators cannot. All the while, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) becomes a constant in Will’s life after helping out on several cases, and not even Will knows that Hannibal is secretly a cannibalistic serial killer.

Hannibal‘s main overarching storyline is captivating and very well-written, but each individual episode is also fantastic. Every case has a horrifying twist and a shocking reveal, and it is impossible to look away once Will starts putting the pieces together. Hannibal is one of the more suspenseful and gripping detective shows, and each of its cases feels very high-stakes and urgent.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Image via FOX

Amongst the crime procedurals and gritty dramas lies Brooklyn Nine-Nine, a rare detective sitcom. The series follows Detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), a naturally skilled detective who lacks impulse control and doesn’t care for the rules. When a strict new captain, Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher), takes over at Jake’s precinct, the two initially butt heads. Soon, though, Jake grows to trust Holt’s guidance, and they both start to learn from each other.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is laugh-out-out funny, and it takes full advantage of its long seasons. It has some of the most memorable and hilarious episodes of any detective show ever, with its annual Halloween heists, recurring cameos from beloved side characters, and clever concept episodes. The series is excellent from start to finish, and it also has some very clever plot twists and killer reveals.

‘Ultraviolet’ (1998)

Image via Channel 4

Ultraviolet is a stunning, dark crime drama with a supernatural twist. The six-episode miniseries follows Michael Colefield (Jack Davenport), a detective sergeant who’s committed to following the rules. The night before the wedding of Michael’s best friend and partner, Jack (Stephen Moyer), a police informant (Ronnie Letham) tries to urgently get in touch with Jack, and is then shot and killed. Michael soon learns that Jack has become a vampire (although the word is never used in the show), and he’s working with a larger group of vampires to try to take over the world.

After this life-changing event, Michael is recruited to work for a secret government organization called Section 5. The organization is made up of a Gulf War veteran (Idris Elba), a doctor and scientist (Susannah Harker), and a priest (Philip Quast). Section 5’s sole purpose is to hunt down and kill all vampires, and each episode, they solve a different vampire-related crime. Each episode of Ultraviolet is an absolute masterpiece, and the series expertly maintains its crime-solving structure while also leaning into its horror side.

‘Psych’ (2006–2014)

Image via USA Network

Psych is a crime comedy procedural that follows Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez), a hyper-observant man with a photographic memory. What Shawn lacks in ambition, he makes up for in natural talent. He uses his detective skills to call in tips to the police, but when he’s accused of a crime, he pretends to be a psychic to explain his prior knowledge. From there, Shawn opens a whole business around this lie, and he regularly consults for the police alongside his best friend, Gus (Dulé Hill).

Every episode of Psych is brilliantly crafted and absolutely hilarious. Each episode, Shawn solves the weekly crime (usually a murder), and then he has to go back and pretend that the answers are coming to him in real time. Psych‘s individual cases in each episode are clever and have excellent twists. Best of all, it’s absolutely hilarious to see the lengths that Shawn goes to in order to pretend that he has psychic powers.

‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007–2009)

Another phenomenal Bryan Fuller detective series is Pushing Daisies, a fairytale-procedural hybrid that follows Ned (Lee Pace), a piemaker who can wake the dead with a single touch. Ned’s power and their its rules have only caused problems for him in the past, so he keeps them hidden and generally isolates himself. Still, he uses his power to help Private Investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) solve murder cases by briefly waking the dead and asking them who killed them. When Emerson’s latest case is the investigation into the murder of Ned’s estranged childhood sweetheart, Chuck (Anna Friel), Ned finds himself unable to bring himself to send her back to being dead.

Every single episode of Pushing Daisies is an absolute masterpiece. In each one, Emerson, Ned, and Chuck solve an outlandish and over-the-top murder. The cases are always very strange and funny, and they ultimately culminate in surprising twists. Alongside the weekly cases, though, are beautiful moments of development for the characters. Ned and Chuck quickly fall back in love, even though they can never touch, or she will die again. Ned is also keeping a major secret from her that could ruin everything if she ever found out.

LeBron James is about to be spending a lot more time in Philly! The NBA star announced he’s joining the Philadelphia 76ers, and he broke the internet in the process.

RELATED: Sheesh! Savannah James’ New Photos Have The Internet Going Up & Reminding LeBron He’s Blessed (PHOTOS)

LeBron James Chooses Philly

Fans have anticipated James’ decision for many weeks, but the wait is over. On Friday, July 24, James shared a post on X announcing he will play with the Philadelphia 76ers.

James noted he’d thought he was done playing in the NBA after last season.

“I thought I was done when the season ended,” James wrote, “I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and [decide] if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”

Roomies React To James Playing For Philly

After James announced his decision, the post was viewed more than 8 million times as fans reacted to the news. The Shade Room shared the news as well, and Roomies quickly left remarks in the comment section.

User @ovelytetee predicted Philadelphia is going to benefit from the choice. “Philly about to have the best run since AI 😂.”

@shelovecj added, “If they stay healthy, this is an automatic trip to the finals.”

@naijaboi_thentrepreneur joked, “Dear Philadelphia YN’s please behave yourself while Mr James is around!”

@lilduke79th joked, “Cleveland fan just fell to his knees in Walmart.”

User @_suckafreesi joked, “The stakes are high and I ain’t talkin Phillycheese!! 👑.”

Sixers fans also weighed in. @thebalancedcrownllc wrote, “Let’s gooooooo! @lebron you’re going to LOVE us Philly Fans!!!!! No other place like it.”

@dhatboi_nes added, “Bron wants that ring. Good for him cause he ain’t got shii left to prove #Goat.”

LeBron Signed A Two-Year Contract

According to ESPN, James signed an $8 million two-year contract with the team. He earned close to $53 million last season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Furthermore, his agent, Rich Paul, said that practicing “basketball happiness” fueled his decision to leave the Lakers after eight seasons. James also played with the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers

RELATED: Drake Seemingly Blasts Kendrick Lamar, LeBron James, J. Cole &  More On Leaked Track (PHOTOS + VIDEO)

Text messages between D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old he is accused of murdering, show the teenager had been pregnant and had an abortion a year prior to her death.

The text exchanges between D4vd (whose legal name is David Anthony Burke) and Rivas Hernandez took place in 2024, the year before her body was found in an impounded Tesla registered to the singer in September 2025. According to multiple media reports, the texts were shown on Friday, July 24 during a court hearing for a judge to determine if the singer, 21, should go on trial for her death.

“What [if] the first abortion didn’t work?” read a text from Rivas Hernandez to D4vd in June 2024. (Rivas Hernandez was 13 at the time, while D4vd was 19.)

In earlier text messages sent in January 2024 and heard in court on Friday, D4vd apologized to Rivas Hernandez for “putting her through this.”

Related: D4vd Dismembered 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas With Chainsaw, Prosecutors Claim

Singer D4vd dismembered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas with a chainsaw after stabbing her to death, prosecutors allege. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed a brief on Wednesday, April 29, laying out its case against the 21-year-old singer — real name David Anthony Burke — after he was charged with murder earlier in April. He […]

In response, Rivas Hernandez texted back, “It’s okay. Neither of us are capable of watching and taking care of the baby. it’s for the best, no?”

The text messages also reveal D4vd asked to confirm he is the father. A text read, “Also my mother always told me to ask this question if I was ever in this situation … it is mine right?”

According to testimony from a detective, Rivas Hernandez replied, “Of course it’s yours David.”

Another text sent by D4vd to Rivas Hernandez in June 2024 and heard in court on Friday read, “Let’s let this abortion be the last one til we have the real one…”

Prosecutors are seeking to prove D4vd sexually abused Rivas Hernandez as a minor then killed her when she threatened to reveal the abuse and destroy his career.

D4vd has pleaded not guilty to murder, sexual abuse of a child and mutilation of a body, and his lawyers insist that he is innocent.

The preliminary hearing in D4vd’s murder case began on Tuesday, July 21. Once the hearing concludes, a judge will determine if prosecutors presented enough evidence for the case to move forward to trial.

D4vd was arrested in April, which was seven months after Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered body was found inside the front trunk of a vehicle at a Los Angeles tow yard on September 8, 2025.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: D4vd Arrested for Murder 7 Months After Celeste Rivas Was Found in His Car

Singer D4vd was arrested on Thursday, April 16, in connection to the murder of Celeste Rivas, whose body was found in the trunk of his impounded Tesla. Us Weekly can confirm D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke), 21, is being held without bail. “Detectives from Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division have arrested David Burke, […]

“Detectives from Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division have arrested David Burke, a 21-year-old resident of Los Angeles, for the murder of Celeste Rivas. Burke is being held without bail,” the LAPD said in a statement at the time of D4vd’s arrest. “The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration.”

Following his arrest, D4vd’s attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter addressed the situation while issuing a statement to TMZ.

“Let us be clear — the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death,” the statement read. “There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed.”

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has reportedly issued a statement, saying attorney Ben Crump and Reverend Al Sharpton are “stoking division” and are to blame for the threats amid the investigation into Nolan Xavier Wells‘ death.

RELATED: Female Friend Whom Nolan Wells Spoke With On Horn Island Is Reportedly Identified, As Sister Details Conversation Allegedly Shared

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves Says Ben Crump & Rev. Al Sharpton Are “Stoking Division” Amid Nolan Xavier Wells Investigation

According to Fox News, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves shared a statement with the platform. In it, he stated that “Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are to blame for the threats.” This, amid the investigation into Wells’ passing.

“They are stoking division for personal gain,” he reportedly added. “It’s sad to see, but not unexpected. This is how they’ve built their careers. Jackson County law enforcement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the State Medical Examiner are conducting a thorough investigation. I’m confident they will follow the facts of the case, wherever that leads them. The state’s top prosecutor is also drawing a hard line.”

Per the outlet, his statement arrived amid one from Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch.

“I am proud of the professionalism with which our law enforcement, district attorney, and other local leaders are approaching this tragic case. During an open investigation, it is vital to the cause of justice that everyone respect the integrity of the process. Efforts to intimidate, disrupt, or interfere with the work of our law enforcement and prosecutors and threats to their well-being will be taken seriously, and we will hold those who make them accountable. A bright young life has been lost, and we extend our prayers to his family,” Fitch reportedly asserted.

More On The Alleged Threats

According to the outlet, the “threats” mentioned by the Governor have been detailed by Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. Per Tindell, threats are now being made against Mississippi officials. As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier this month, death threats were allegedly sent to the family of Warren Hudson. This, while Christine Wonsley, Nolan Wells’ mom, had taken to social media to share hate mail she also received.

Per Tindell, those involved in sending threats are “committing a criminal act,” which will “be taken very, very seriously.” Additionally, he believes “false information” disseminated about the case has sparked “rage and emotion.”

“I can tell you, the FBI has reached out. They’re working in any capacity. They’ve offered a hand, in this case, to do anything that’s needed from their end. But they’re also taking a serious look at some of these threats that have come across, to public officials, to witnesses to the family, to anybody involved in this case.I can confirm that we have had threats made against DPS employees, and those threats are being actively investigated. Some potential witnesses and their families have also received threats, and those are being investigated as well,” he reportedly added.

What Happens Next In Nolan Xavier Wells’ investigation?

As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier this week, Ben Crump publicly shared the preliminary findings. This, of the independent autopsy conducted on Nolan Wells’ body. However, his cause of death and manner of death remained undetermined. This, pending further investigation.

Nonetheless, Crump revealed that Wells apparently sustained red discoloration to the back of his head. Additionally, his throat was reportedly kept for further review by the official who conducted an initial autopsy on his body for the state of Mississippi. Meanwhile, the District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stated that Wells’ state autopsy will remain sealed until the investigation is presented to a grand jury.

RELATED: Warren Hudson Details What He & Friends Allegedly Did After Leaving Horn Island & Speaks On Pool Party Photo Showing Nolan Wells

Fantasy TV has been having a great run in 2026. The genre just keeps getting bigger, but more importantly, it’s becoming far more creative. Today’s fantasy shows are experimenting with new settings, diverse perspectives, and character-driven stories instead of relying on grand magical battles and action to drive the plot forward.

That’s exactly what has made this year’s lineup so exciting. Each of the shows on this list approaches fantasy from a completely different angle, which proves just how flexible the genre has become. That said, here are the six best fantasy shows of 2026 so far, ranked.

6

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026–Present)

Image via HBO

The biggest surprise about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is that it doesn’t try to be the next Game of Thrones. Instead of featuring another sprawling war between great houses in George R.R. Martin’s universe, the series tells a far more personal story set nearly a century before the original. The spin-off follows inexperienced hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall, better known as Dunk (Peter Claffey), who unexpectedly takes on a young squire named Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). What Dunk doesn’t realize is that Egg is actually Prince Aegon Targaryen, a royal heir traveling the Seven Kingdoms in secret.

The audience watches this unlikely duo as they journey across Westeros and become entangled in local disputes, knightly tournaments, political rivalries, and conflicts that shape the very future of the realm. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms stands out in how refreshingly intimate it feels. Instead of chasing the scale of Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon, the series focuses on the ordinary people living in Westeros. This smaller scope gives the characters far more room to breathe and for the audience to see what it truly means to be a knight. The fantasy adventure series feels warm while also unfolding with the moral complexity that Martin’s world is known for, and is easily one of the best fantasy series on air right now.

5

‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’ (2026–Present)

Image via Disney+

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord finally gives one of the franchise’s greatest villains the story he deserves. The animated series takes place after the fall of Mandalore and the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. It follows Maul (Sam Witwer) as he attempts to rebuild his shattered criminal syndicate on Janix, a planet that remains largely beyond the Empire’s control. However, his plans change when he crosses paths with young Jedi Padawan Devon Izara (Gideon Adlon), who survived the collapse of the Order. Maul sees Devon as both a weapon and a possible apprentice and pulls her into an increasingly dangerous underworld filled with crime bosses and powerful Imperial forces.

On the other hand, investigator Brander Lawson (Wagner Moura) begins closing in on the violence surrounding them, which turns Maul’s return to power into a galactic crime thriller rather than a traditional Jedi adventure. Now, the series never tried to redeem Maul. He may be the protagonist, but he is still manipulative and desperate to reclaim the power Darth Sidious took from him. That’s what makes his dynamic with Devon so unsettling. Aside from all that, the series’ noir-inspired criminal underworld creates a side of Star Wars that feels darker and more morally ambiguous than anything else in the entire franchise.

4

‘The Vampire Lestat’ (2022–Present)

Image via AMC

Advertisement

The Vampire Lestat is a direct continuation — and official rebranding — of AMC’s critically acclaimed Interview with the Vampire. The soft reboot shifts the spotlight away from Louis (Jacob Anderson) and places the infamous Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid) at the center of the narrative. The story begins with Lestat being furious over how the events of his life have been portrayed. He decides to tell his own version of the story by reinventing himself as the world’s first vampire rock star as he embarks on a global tour. The series then flashes back through centuries of his life to explore his origins in 18th-century France, his transformation into a vampire, and the relationships that shaped him into one of fantasy’s most fascinating antiheroes.

Meanwhile, familiar faces including Louis, Armand (Assad Zaman), and Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) obviously remain deeply entangled in Lestat’s life as he deals with ancient enemies and great supernatural forces. This premise completely transforms the perspective of the story. Interview with the Vampire examined immortality through Louis’ guilt and regret, but The Vampire Lestat embraces its protagonist’s theatrics and deeply unreliable narration. The fantasy drama feels gothic, glamorous, and emotionally volatile all at once. Instead of treating vampirism as a curse alone, the series explores themes of obsession and identity and, in doing so, successfully reinvents one of TV’s best TV dramas without taking away what made it special in the first place.

3

‘Daemons of the Shadow Realm’ (2026–Present)

Image via Crunchyroll

Advertisement

Daemons of the Shadow Realm features Hiromu Arakawa’s fantasy worldbuilding at its best after Fullmetal Alchemist. The anime is set in a secluded mountain village frozen in time, and the series follows young hunter Yuru (Kensho Ono), whose life comes crashing down when armed outsiders attack his home. During the assault, Yuru learns that everything he has ever believed about his village, his imprisoned twin sister Asa (Yume Miyamoto), and even his own identity has been a carefully constructed lie. Soon after, he is forced into the modern world alongside the mysterious outsider Dera (Yuichi Nakamura), where he discovers that he and Asa were born with the rare ability to command supernatural beings known as Daemons.

What immediately separates Daemons of the Shadow Realm from most fantasy anime is how effortlessly it blends ancient mythology with modern society. One moment, the story feels like a secluded folklore mystery, and the next it’s introducing helicopters, secret organizations, and supernatural creatures into the same narrative without ever feeling disjointed. This constant collision between old and new keeps the world endlessly unpredictable, while Arakawa’s trademark character-focused writing ensures the emotional stakes remain just as compelling as the action. Daemons of the Shadow Realm builds its mystery piece by piece, and is exactly the kind of ambitious fantasy that has made Hiromu Arakawa one of the genre’s most celebrated storytellers.

2

‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 (2022–Present)

Image via HBO

Advertisement

House of the Dragon Season 3 premiered on April 21, 2026, after a two-year wait and wasted no time delivering the full-scale Targaryen civil war that Seasons 1 and 2 had been building toward. The series, set nearly two centuries before Game of Thrones, chronicles the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal succession conflict that takes place after the death of King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine). The story follows his daughter, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), and her half-brother, King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), as they both claim the Iron Throne. Season 3 picks up immediately after the devastating events of Season 2, with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell), Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), and the rest of Westeros forced to choose sides, while dragon battles, shifting alliances, and betrayals push the Seven Kingdoms toward complete ruin.

House of the Dragon is yet another ambitious installment in the Game of Thrones universe, but aside from the spectacle, the show actually explores the devastating cost of power. House of the Dragon Season 3 raises the narrative’s emotional stakes by refusing to paint anyone as merely black or white. The eight-episode season is set to conclude on August 9, 2026, but not before bringing several of the Dance’s defining conflicts to the screen.

1

‘One Piece’ Season 2 (2023–Present)

Image via Netflix

Advertisement

Netflix’s live-action One Piece faithfully adapts one of the most beloved manga series of all time, a feat that many deemed impossible to achieve. One Piece Season 2, titled Into the Grand Line, premiered on March 10, 2026, and expands the Straw Hat Pirates’ adventure far beyond the East Blue. The series follows Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy), Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), Nami (Emily Rudd), Usopp (Jacob Romero), and Sanji (Taz Skylar) as they finally set sail for the legendary Grand Line, where the dangers are far greater than anything they’ve faced before. The crew travels through Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, Whisky Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island and encounters ruthless members of the secret criminal organization Baroque Works, powerful new allies including Princess Vivi (Charithra Chandran), and the fan-favorite reindeer doctor Tony Tony Chopper (Mikaela Hoover).

Every stop brings Luffy one step closer to becoming King of the Pirates while revealing just how unpredictable the world beyond East Blue truly is. Instead of simply trying to recreate the manga panel for panel, the series adapts it with a clear understanding of what made Eiichiro Oda‘s story resonate with millions of readers in the first place. Every island feels like the beginning of a completely new adventure, with its own culture and mythology. The bond between the Straw Hats remains at the heart of it all and grounds the show’s wildest fantasy elements. One Piece Season 2 ends with the conclusion of the Drum Island Arc, and Netflix has officially greenlit and wrapped production on One Piece Season 3, titled The Battle of Alabasta.

Advertisement

One Piece

Advertisement

Release Date

August 31, 2023

Advertisement

Network

Netflix

Showrunner

Advertisement

Matt Owens, Steven Maeda, Joe Tracz

Directors

Tim Southam, Marc Jobst, Josef Kubota Wladyka

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement